House Bill 1553

DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL

Contributions to political parties. Establishes the political party enhancement fund (fund) to enhance the vitality of Indiana political parties. Establishes a voluntary program under which individuals may designate up to $50 on their Indiana income tax returns to a particular political party to be paid from the fund. Requires the election division to accept direct contributions to the fund from any person authorized to make political contributions to a political party under Indiana law. Requires the election division to administer the fund. Requires a political party that wants to participate in the fund to register with the election division. Permits a contributor or a taxpayer also to authorize the political party to which a contribution has been made to contact the contributor or taxpayer through information provided by the contributor or the taxpayer. Prohibits contact information about the contributor or taxpayer to be provided unless the contact has been authorized by the contributor or taxpayer. Annually appropriates to the fund from the state general fund an amount equal to 20% of the contributions made to the fund by taxpayers in addition to the contributions made to the fund by taxpayers. Appropriates money in the fund for distribution to the political parties.